addressed to "Signor Escudier", probably Marie Escudier, discussing the arrangement of the principal bass part for baritone (Pagano), informing him that he has asked Ricordi to send him a copy, emphasizing that the opera is particularly difficult and that it requires a large orchestra and chorus, urging him to take care of these matters so that the opera is produced well; Verdi also discusses plans to write an opera for the Escudiers, explaining that he is committed to Naples and Venice for the following year and that he would not be able to write for the Théâtre-Italien for another two years, between from October 1846 and March 1847, and that, although he is happy to discuss this with the Director, M. Vatel, he would really prefer to stage one of his operas before then ("...I Lombardi è l'opera mia più difficile ed oltre ai tre artisti principali ha bisogno d'un insieme e d'orchestra e di cori imponente. A Lei spetto sotto occhio queste cose onde l'opera sia messa in scena bene..."); Verdi also thanks Escudier for the kind things he has written about him [in Le France musicale], popularising his name in France

2 pages, 8vo (c.19.3 x 13.3cm), blind-stamped stationery ("Bath"), no address leaf, Rome, 24 October 1844, moderate overall browning, remains of mount at top margin (translucent adhesive tape), creased along central fold  

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This letter contains Verdi's earliest negotiations to write an opera for Paris, the ultimate aspiration for any leading nineteenth-century Italian opera composer. It anticipates those with Léon Escudier in 1845 (see Budden, The Operas of Verdi, i, 342).  Verdi is already discussing staging I Lombardi, composed for La Scala Milan in 1843, which in 1847 became Jérusalem, Verdi's first opera for France (at the Paris Opéra, rather than the Théâtre-Italien).  The culmination of Verdi's career in Paris came with Don Carlos, written for the Paris Opéra in 1867.  Pagano, the principal bass role in I Lombardi, was also a bass in Jerusalem, rather than adapted for baritone as planned here.  This is the earliest known letter from Verdi to the Escudiers, who were to become his main publishers in France.  Verdi expresses his delight in being in direct communication, apparently for the first time, so predating Marie's visit the following summer, recounted in Le France musicale (see 'A Visit to Verdi', [Milan, 18 May 1845], in M. Conati, Encounters with Verdi (1984), pp.1-9)